1. (v. t.) To make a subject of dispute, contention, litigation, or emulation; to contend for; to call in question; to controvert; to oppose; to dispute.

2. (v. t.) To strive earnestly to hold or maintain; to struggle to defend; as, the troops contested every inch of ground.

3. (v. t.) To make a subject of litigation; to defend, as a suit; to dispute or resist; as a claim, by course of law; to controvert.

4. (v. i.) To engage in contention, or emulation; to contend; to strive; to vie; to emulate; -- followed usually by with.

5. (n.) Earnest dispute; strife in argument; controversy; debate; altercation.

6. (n.) Earnest struggle for superiority, victory, defense, etc.; competition; emulation; strife in arms; conflict; combat; encounter.